First M3 drive.. slightly underwhelmed?

[pierce]

Ive never driven an e30 m3, but Im under the impression that they only come alive on the limit.

Now unless you have just won the lottery, or your lucky enough to be able to test it on a track, I doubt very much that you will be pushing the car to the limit on a test drive.

Again, I'm not familiar with the power curve on a standard m3, but if your just pottering around town, your probably pushing 70.... maybe 80bhp? the car 'aint exactly gonna come alive now is it?

Drive one again, on a track, then report back.

I can't see how any "average joe" (no offence to anyone) can wake an m3 these days when were talking about £30,000! Ok, so you've found yourself the ultimate driving road, car is in top condition, weather is right, etc etc, are you really gonna push yourself, and the car, to where you need to be? No. No your not. (unless you have complete disregard for your and others safety)

On a track with nice big run off areas, I'm pretty sure any red blooded petrol head will form an inseparable bond by the end of the day.

My 2 cents anyway. You know what they say, never meet your heroes!!!

p.s regardless of the taste left in your mouth after the test drive, I'm really rather jealous!

The e30 m3 will be out of most peoples financial reach before long. Now or never situation.

[ross_jsy]

Interestingly, 6 years ago when I first picked up my white turd I went for a hoon with my friend who owns an m3 through Jersey lanes.

m3 didn't see which way the m20'd car went

[pacerpete]

they are all at £30k

that's the problem

Quite!

I was hoping this Lachs 'project' on PH at the mo:

http://www.pistonheads.com/classifieds/ ... ct/4413420

..might be reasonable, but he wanted £28k-ish for the whole lot.. and I'd still have to build the flipping thing after that!!

God knows how he thinks that is 28k ? I'm guessing he will be waiting a while.

[Strugs]

they are all at £30k

that's the problem

Quite!

I was hoping this Lachs 'project' on PH at the mo:

http://www.pistonheads.com/classifieds/ ... ct/4413420

..might be reasonable, but he wanted £28k-ish for the whole lot.. and I'd still have to build the flipping thing after that!!

God knows how he thinks that is 28k ? I'm guessing he will be waiting a while.

Although I do wonder how much a 'kit' M3 should be? Aiming for built value of £25-30k less build costs (which would get on for £8k-£10k unless you can DIY?), so £13k-£18k? Or would that be too much?

[Gert_8]

It's all very well trying to establish a reasonable price for an M3, but no one is going to take £18k unless you strike lucky. Everyone that has an M3 will be looking to yield a sale price of £28-£30k for rough shite as the advert illustrates.

[bosers]

But Ross, when you live on a Rrock that's nahn square miles bah fahve, 40 miles per hour is the quickest you can drahve!

[bss325i]

As an owner of a tight lowish mileage 325i sport and a not so low mileage but mechanically up together E30 M3 both with Eibach spring/Bilstein B8 shock combo and having driven pretty much every E30 variant made including all the incarnations of the E30 M3 as well as previously owning S50 and M52B28 converted E30's i'd say its fair that I've got a pretty good idea.
Not to mention all the other BMW's over the years that ive owned, worked on or driven... recent highlights including a 2002 turbo and an E26 M1.

I've said this a few times now but out of all the cars ive driven including non BMW's, if there were two cars I had to choose to drive for the rest of my life it would be an E46 M3 CSL and an E30 M3!

I am the sort of person who likes to drive and by drive I don't mean as fast a possible in a straight line.

Its all about feel and balance to me. Don't get me wrong i'm no driving god but im no slouch and handle a car on the limit.

Now, the E30 M3. A standard car can be driven about like any other E30 just pottering about but that is never going to show you what its all about. Its a 16v four pot so by its nature to get the best out of it you are going to need to be up in the higher rpms and keep it above 4500 rpm and the S14 wil pull and pull but that's not the whole story.

What struck me as a stark contrast between my two E30's was a particular 3 lane round about. Grip.
At a point where my 325i would be starting to progress into oversteer the M3 just remained composed and balanced

The thing with the E30 M3 is its detailed revisions to the suspension geometry and other detail differences such as front anti roll bar drop link mount location. Now obviously the complete 5 stud E30 M3 set up can be fitted to any other E30 (325iX excluded) and many have including that M52B28 converted 2dr I once owned but there comes the weight balance issue again of any other 6 pot car.

As other have said, a relatively short drive of a sales car is never going to give you the full impression of what the E30 M3 is all about.

With regards to the gear throw being longer, the car you tested may have had a worn linkage and regardless, the can easily be made shorter.

With regards to the Macau car for sale at GMS, what idiot would do that to the interior?!

Also, the sport evo spoiler is not two and a half grand as stated its more like 1300 plus vat for both parts.

The car looks ok but i'd love to have a proper inspection of it as there are plenty of shiny turds out there.

Regards the hype... these cars did not get rave reviews when new, did not clean up in motorsport and did not get voted greatest M car of all time by Evo Magazine.

In short, the E30 M3 is the ultimate of the ultimate driving machines!

[Andyboy]

I drove mine (A Sport Evolution) a handful of times, but it was a nice thing. Being absolutely standard with just a set of Eibach springs helped it. A good one always feels like more than the sum of its parts. Should have kept it!

[rh306]

..no idea what the Ford is worth but it sounds as if a usable E30 M3 is now three times more expensive than a 190 Cossie

[bss325i]

All three of those were just epic boyhood dreams that I had modles/toys of as a young wipersnapper.

[BenHar]

as a young wipersnapper.

Bloody vandal!

Ben

[Gert_8]

The BM and Merc were my faves. I couldn't care less ford the ford, it was, and still is, hideous in my opinion.

[steve_k]

..no idea what the Ford is worth but it sounds as if a usable E30 M3 is now three times more expensive than a 190 Cossie

the ford is an RS500 Sierra cosworth, & in full group A spec is an epic car not many left now though,

a good mate of mine near skeg has got one in ford diamond black, both engine & gear box are built to full group A spc & it has seenover 600+bhp on the rollers, but to keep it sane (sic) on the road he has the power limited to 500bhp, total animal in the wet. the chassis is set up mainly for the track & handles far better than any ford has a right to,

as for the merc?? if i didnt have my sport i'd have one of those.

[bss325i]

The Sierra is not an RS500 in that pic, just a normal RS cosworth.

[87mtech27]

I would take the RS Cosworth out of the 3

It has a RS500 front bumper (minus the front splitter) but is missing wailtail spoiler extension and the second spoiler on the bootlid.

[daimlerman]

as a young wipersnapper.

Bloody vandal!

Ben

The mysterious mystery of the phantom wipersnapper of old Croyden town is finally solved!

[Cloggy Saint]

Or whippersnapper even.

[jonb]

A lot of these 'classics' are sooo overpriced now. E30 m3s and escorts being one of the main culprits. A Peugeot 205 gti can be purchased for around 2.5k and can be considered a classic, and it's a car which will handle just as well if not better than the above mentioned cars for around 20% or less outlay.

You can buy something of a simalier vintage which is just as quick on any given road. Just saw an old lancia delta integrale with 90k (the faired arch one but not the evo one) in really nice condition for about 8.5k. Also saw one of those super rare Alfa Romeo 155 q4s for a simaliar price.

[bss325i]

as a young wipersnapper.

Bloody vandal!

Ben

The mysterious mystery of the phantom wipersnapper of old Croyden town is finally solved!

Ok Malcom very funny.

[daimlerman]

Bloody vandal!

Ben

The mysterious mystery of the phantom wipersnapper of old Croyden town is finally solved!

Ok Malcolm very funny.

EFA!

There's always spell checker....

[KW355]

Just my 10p worth, I had a 325 sport back in the day and really enjoyed it but I have not driven a standard e30 M3 so I can't compare the different driving experiences.
One thing I have noticed with my M3 (which looks almost standard apart from the wheels ) is peoples reaction to it, I have had loads of cars but this one gets the most positive comments. People regularly ask about it or compliment the car at petrol stations, traffic lights etc. most say something like, "nice car, I have not seen one of those for ages"
Do other M3 drivers have the same experience or is it an e30 thing ?

[ross_jsy]

I think it's an e30 thing. Now I'm back using an e30 as a daily I'm really surprised how many people come up to me and talk about it (is it just me or did just about every feckers dad's "own one of these back in the day")/smile/wave/give me the thumbs up

[bss325i]

The mysterious mystery of the phantom wipersnapper of old Croyden town is finally solved!

Ok Malcolm very funny.

EFA!

There's always spell checker....

Ok Mallcom thanks.

[Andyboy]

I would take the RS Cosworth out of the 3

It has a RS500 front bumper (minus the front splitter) but is missing wailtail spoiler extension and the second spoiler on the bootlid.

Me too, a black one with the all the correct bits (wheels etc) but some better brakes and 300 bhp.

[bss325i]

I would take the RS Cosworth out of the 3

It has a RS500 front bumper (minus the front splitter) but is missing wailtail spoiler extension and the second spoiler on the bootlid.

Me too, a black one with the all the correct bits (wheels etc) but some better brakes and 300 bhp.

Moonstone blue for me. Out of the 500 only 52 were in that hue.

[LondonTom]

A lot of these 'classics' are sooo overpriced now. E30 m3s and escorts being one of the main culprits. A Peugeot 205 gti can be purchased for around 2.5k and can be considered a classic, and it's a car which will handle just as well if not better than the above mentioned cars for around 20% or less outlay.

You can buy something of a simalier vintage which is just as quick on any given road. Just saw an old lancia delta integrale with 90k (the faired arch one but not the evo one) in really nice condition for about 8.5k. Also saw one of those super rare Alfa Romeo 155 q4s for a simaliar price.

A 205 gti was never in the same category as an e30 m3 - it's like comparing a t16 to the price of a 318is.

As for escorts, it's mainly down to demand of body shells as they are still so popular for racing and rallying.

Having said that, a decent 205 (if there is such a thing) probably isn't a bad buy as can't be many left and prices likely to only go up.

[bmandy68]

Back in the early 00s I live in the isle of man and was working in the south of the isle for a while, every day I would pass this small car show room in Port Erin which would only 2 or 3 cars in for sale one being a moonstone Rs cosworth not 500 . Being isle the man their was a good chance it had low miles and the price back in early 2000 7.5k. It looked bloody lovely and I really wanted it, but with just moving to the island and buying a bungalow which needed work and just started working for my self looked it looked too risky. As things worked out I could of bought it, but as they say hidesight a wonderful thing

[bigbird76]

Just my 10p worth, I had a 325 sport back in the day and really enjoyed it but I have not driven a standard e30 M3 so I can't compare the different driving experiences.
One thing I have noticed with my M3 (which looks almost standard apart from the wheels ) is peoples reaction to it, I have had loads of cars but this one gets the most positive comments. People regularly ask about it or compliment the car at petrol stations, traffic lights etc. most say something like, "nice car, I have not seen one of those for ages"
Do other M3 drivers have the same experience or is it an e30 thing ?

Yesterday I went for a 120 mile run with the m3 around the brecons/black mountains etc I stopped a few times at the small roadside cafe's for a rest and sandwich cup of tea etc. Both times i was bombarded with people looking at the car and a few people asking about the car. One gentleman told me he had a red 1987 m3 back in the day but it was RHD and did not have the bodykit.

Anyhow I do get a lot of good comments but mainly from people who know what the car is.
As for driving the M3 it still feels like a great little car and handles well for its age, I had a 325i years ago and that was a nice car also but it had a clifford alarm fitted which did nothing but play up and in the end I sold the car.
Thinking back I should of ripped the alarm out.

Leigh

[Split_S]

I have an e30 M3 and have been driving it a lot. All the comments Ive read here, for and against, are pretty valid I think. My car is in very good shape, I replaced the entire suspension with Bilstein/Eibach, new bushings, fuel system, all new brake system (rebuilt calipers and new lines). Refurbed original BBS 15" wheels on her. She is bone stock. The engine has only 165 000km on her and runs strong. She does need a valve adjustment and I will have that done next week. So what's my point stating all this?

If driven "normally" a stock M3 is underwhelming. Just about anything will beat you off the line. She has very little torque below 4000 rpm and you need to reach 5000 before things get really interesting. Not very practical putzing around town.
Where this car shines is in the curves. Running only the OEM tire size (205/55R15) this car just refuses to give up grip. Where others slow down: I accelerate. Keeping the rpm's high and carving a perfect curve provides me with an inordinate amount of satisfaction. However, I can honestly say I don't quite have the courage to test exactly how far this car will go. Its abilities easily surpass my skills. But every chance I get I go out and find the crooked roads and drive her like she was meant to be driven. That engine sings.

Then there is the other aspect of owning this car. Its rarity. Its rich heritage. That special feeling I get every time I open the garage door and see her there. Every thumbs up, every unsolicited offer of purchase declined. Every look of envy, every picture taken by admirers. All the cool chats with people who come up to me almost every time I stop somewhere. That awesome feeling as I back her out of my driveway on my way out for a "drive".

So is it worthy of the legendary status the internet has bestowed on it?

You decide.

[Jon_Bmw]

Splits last paragraph sums it up. There are a few cars that you will always look back at as you walk away from parking it up. I think the e30 M3 is almost certainly one of those cars (I have never owned one, but I bet it is). I always catch myself doing it with the M Coupe.

[Gert_8]

I have an e30 M3 and have been driving it a lot. All the comments Ive read here, for and against, are pretty valid I think. My car is in very good shape, I replaced the entire suspension with Bilstein/Eibach, new bushings, fuel system, all new brake system (rebuilt calipers and new lines). Refurbed original BBS 15" wheels on her. She is bone stock. The engine has only 165 000km on her and runs strong. She does need a valve adjustment and I will have that done next week. So what's my point stating all this?

If driven "normally" a stock M3 is underwhelming. Just about anything will beat you off the line. She has very little torque below 4000 rpm and you need to reach 5000 before things get really interesting. Not very practical putzing around town.
Where this car shines is in the curves. Running only the OEM tire size (205/55R15) this car just refuses to give up grip. Where others slow down: I accelerate. Keeping the rpm's high and carving a perfect curve provides me with an inordinate amount of satisfaction. However, I can honestly say I don't quite have the courage to test exactly how far this car will go. Its abilities easily surpass my skills. But every chance I get I go out and find the crooked roads and drive her like she was meant to be driven. That engine sings.

Then there is the other aspect of owning this car. Its rarity. Its rich heritage. That special feeling I get every time I open the garage door and see her there. Every thumbs up, every unsolicited offer of purchase declined. Every look of envy, every picture taken by admirers. All the cool chats with people who come up to me almost every time I stop somewhere. That awesome feeling as I back her out of my driveway on my way out for a "drive".

So is it worthy of the legendary status the internet has bestowed on it?

You decide.

This is precisely what I expected from the drive to the ownership. The nicest M3 I have seen is the zoner's that lives in Ireland. This is my screen saver and the car I would love to own

[jimbom30cab]

You should see Bigbird's M3..

It's simply stunning in every detail

A true dream car

[Gert_8]

Does it have wheels like that beauty!??

I think I have seen it and I agree, it is also a lovely car.

[Split_S]

That's x-works masterpiece.

His resto thread of that car inspired me to buy an e30 and restore it. My 318iS resto is about halfway done. I bought a second iS as a parts car which I will more than likely keep. I then bought the M3 because I was literally dreaming of it at night and thinking about it all the time. Total cost of all three? Less than 30,000 cdn.

Might get a 325iS if I can find one... Its an obsession - but - makes for a nice driveway!!

[kieran325]

Oh I like them rims